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Entry TypePerson
SurnameMontgomery
ForenamesJames
Epithetpoet, hymn writer and newspaper editor
Dates1771-1854
Gender IdentityMale
BiographyJames Montgomery was born in Irvine, Scotland and raised in the Moravian Church. In 1792 he moved to Sheffield to work as assistant to Joseph Gales, the printer of hte 'Sheffield Register'. When Gales left England in 1794, Mongomery took over the newspaper and changed its name to the Sheffield Iris. He ultimately sold the newspaper to local bookseller, John Blackwell, in 1825.

Montgomery achieved some success with his poetry, beginning with 'The Wanderer of Switzherland in 1806. He was commissioned to write an anti-slave trade poem ('The West Indies') which was published as part of an anthology in 1809. He also wrote hymns, some of which remain well known, including 'The Lord is My Shepherd' and the carol 'Angels from the Realms of Glory'.

His philanthropy and religious life caused him to be well regarded in Sheffield. He received a public funeral and there are several monuments to him in the city.
Authorised Form of NameMontgomery; James (1771-1854); poet, hymn writer and newspaper editor

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